8 Ways to Savor the Dog Days of Summer With Your Pup

This Summer is all about the icy and refreshing slushy. Why shouldn’t your dog get in on it, too?

For a simple treat you can both sip on, try this classic combo: frozen bananas + peanut butter + ice. Toss them in a blender for instant deliciousness. Or take a berry spin and blend up blueberries, yogurt, and a spoonful of honey.

How about a treat only a dog could love? Try blending pumpkin puree with wet dog food and ice. Sure, it’s less appetizing (for humans), but this slushy delicacy will win you major points with your furry friend. Or try this simple strategy:

1. Start with any one of these tasty liquid bases:
   Try low-sodium chicken broth, yogurt, no-sugar applesauce, or pumpkin puree.
2. Mix in your dog’s favorite ingredients:
   Blueberries, apples, bananas, carrots, sweet potatoes, or ground meat. Be sure to consult a list of dog-safe foods.
3. Add ice and blend:
   Toss your concoction into the blender with ample ice. Blend until slushy and serve in a fancy feeding bowl. Bon appétit!

Before you go all Julia Child in the kitchen, talk to your vet about any food sensitivities your dog may have.

Beachside strolls — they’re not just for lovers. Find an off-leash beach for major romping or snap on that harness and hit the beach together in style. Your dog will love a chance to get his toes wet, and you’ll love the furry company and gorgeous vistas.

Strap on a backpack — we like these models from Ruffwear — or hit your local dog boutique and seek out some of this Summer’s hottest trends: metallic jackets, mixed prints, or a little denim-on-denim action. Your dog is gonna look sharp on day one of obedience school.

If your dog shrugs off the outfit, no big deal — don’t force the issue. Some dogs love getting all dressed up and some don’t (just like humans).

If back-to-school shopping is a little too clothing-heavy for you and your dog, strip down and go for a dip together! Au natural is optional, of course (though your dog would probably prefer it).

Find a dog-friendly swimming hole and soak up the last of the Summer sun together. Whether your dog is a champion swimmer or more of a puppy paddler, always make water safety priority number one. Floaties, canine life jackets, and doggles are a dog’s other best friend.

Get all the neighborhood dogs in on the action and throw a little dog-friendly shindig. We love the looks of these banana pupcakes, and dog-friendly party favors (from custom frisbees to tasty tennis balls) are a must have.

This is, no joke, the best idea we’ve ever heard. And the greatest part? Hosting a ball-pit party doesn’t have to be difficult. Just fill a kiddie pool with tennis balls and, voilà, instant joy. This pug clearly couldn’t be happier.

Turns out everyone’s favorite harvest squash is actually good for dogs. So get your dog in on the action with some DIY pumpkin dog treats. These bone-shaped biscuits look delicious, and there are plenty more where those came from.

Depending on your city’s regulations, there may be several dog-friendly outdoor movie venues to consider. So snap on a leash and bring your dog along for a picnic and movie-viewing at the park. This favorite summertime activity is perfect for mellow dogs who are happy to gnaw a bone and snuggle up on that gingham blanket while Goonies or The Big Lebowski makes all the humans howl.

So really, it’s all good news. There’s still plenty of time to enjoy these last few weeks of summertime with your dog. Stay cool out there and please, one dog-lover to another: upload your ball-pit videos because that’s the kind of cuteness we just can’t quit.